Ejecting SIMM socket

Abstract

A socket (60) is provided that receives a single in-line memory module (SIMM) and facilitates the ejection of the SIMM from the socket through the use of a pair of latches (62, 64) rotatably mounted in a base (66). The latches each define a resilient flap (72) carrying a boss (74) to be received in a hole (50) in the SIMM for retention of the SIMM. One of the latches also defines an ear (110) to be received in a notch (112) of the SIMM for proper orientation of the SIMM within the socket.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An ejecting SIMM socket, comprising: an elongated base defining a slot configured to receive the contact edge of a SIMM; and   a pair of latches, each of said latches rotatably mounted in said base and defining a slot configured to receive one of the opposite corners of the contact edge of said SIMM, said latch slot terminating in a floor to abut said SIMM contact edge for ejecting said SIMM from said base when said latches are rotated.   
     
     
       2. A socket as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said latches defines a resilient flap and a boss disposed on said flap; said resilient flap allowing said boss to be received in one of the holes located on opposite sides of said SIMM to enhance retention of said SIMM in said socket. 
     
     
       3. A socket as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said latches defines, within said latch slot, an ear configured to be received within the notch in one side edge of said SIMM whereby said SIMM is appropriately oriented in said socket. 
     
     
       4. A socket as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said latches defines a serrated surface to facilitate gripping thereof for rotation of each of said latches. 
     
     
       5. A socket as defined in claim 1 wherein said base defines a first descending post and a second descending post greater in diameter than said first post, said first post and said second post thereby facilitating appropriate orientation in a mount receiving said socket. 
     
     
       6. A socket as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said latches defines a lip and said base defines an edge to abut said lip thereby defining an open position of each of said latches. 
     
     
       7. A socket as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said latches defines a tongue and said base defines an opening to receive said tongue when each of said latches is in said closed position. 
     
     
       8. A socket as defined in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of contact pins disposed in said base along said base slot for electrical connection to the contacts of said SIMM. 
     
     
       9. A socket as defined in claim 8 wherein said plurality of contact pins comprises double pins, each of said double pins configured to abut a pair of said SIMM contacts for electrical connection thereto, said pair of contacts located on opposite sides of said SIMM. 
     
     
       10. A socket as defined in claim 8 wherein said plurality of contact pins comprises a plurality of single pins, each of said single pins configured to abut one of said SIMM contacts for electrical connection thereto. 
     
     
       11. A socket as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said latches defines a shaft and said base defines a hole for rotatable reception of said shaft. 
     
     
       12. A socket as defined in claim 11 wherein said shaft defines a bevel and said base defines a ramp to receive said bevel to facilitate insertion of said shaft into said hole. 
     
     
       13. A socket as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said latches defines a step and said base defines a margin to abut said step thereby defining a closed position of each of said latches. 
     
     
       14. A socket as defined in claim 13 wherein each of said latches defines a knob and said base defines a groove to receive said knob to facilitate retention of each of said latches in said closed position. 
     
     
       15. An ejecting circuit board socket, comprising: an elongated base defining a slot configured to receive the contact edge of a circuit board; and a pair of latches, each of said latches rotatably mounted in said base and defining a slot configured to receive one of the opposite corners of the contact edge of said circuit board, said latch slot terminating in a floor to abut said circuit board contact edge for ejecting said circuit board from said base when said latches are rotated. 
     
     
       16. A socket as defined in claim 15 wherein each of said latches defines a resilient flap and a boss disposed on said flap; said resilient flap allowing said boss to be received in a hole located on a side of said circuit board to enhance retention of said circuit board in said socket. 
     
     
       17. A socket as defined in claim 15 wherein one of said latches defines, within said latch slot, an ear configured to be received within a notch in a side edge of said circuit board whereby said circuit board is appropriately oriented in said socket. 
     
     
       18. A socket as defined in claim 15 wherein each of said latches defines a shaft and said base defines a hole for rotatable reception of said shaft. 
     
     
       19. A socket as defined in claim 15 wherein: each of said latches defines a lip and said base defines an edge to abut said lip thereby defining an open position of each of said latches;   each of said latches defines a step and said base defines a margin to abut said step thereby defining a closed position of each of said latches; and   each of said latches defines a knob and said base defines a groove to receive said knob to facilitate retention of each of said latches in said closed position.   
     
     
       20. A method of ejecting a SIMM from a socket, comprising the steps of: disposing said SIMM in a base of said socket wherein said base has a latch rotatably mounted thereon;   receiving a corner of the contact edge of said SIMM in a slot defined in said latch; and   rotating said latch to eject said SIMM.